Invincible Lalitpur defend NSL title

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 26: Lalitpur City FC defended its Nepal Super League (NSL) crown, edging Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in a thrilling final at Dasarath Stadium on Saturday.

Lalitpur made history as the first team to defend the NSL title. The champions lifted back-to-back trophies while remaining unbeaten in the third season.

Lalitpur extended its unbeaten streak in the NSL to 11 matches. 

After finishing the second edition undefeated in its last three games, the team remained unbeaten in all eight matches this season.

Imoh Ezekiel and Papa Ibou Kebe found the net, shattering Pokhara’s dream of winning the title. Sudil Rai pulled one back for Pokhara but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Coach Simon Grayson was ecstatic after securing successive NSL glory. "We did what we came here to do. The players were magnificent. Full credit to Pokhara, they played well. It wasn’t easy, but in the end, we got the job done. Absolutely delighted!"

As champions, Lalitpur received Rs 8 million, while runners-up Pokhara bagged Rs 3 million.

Captain Ananta Tamang expressed his joy after winning back-to-back titles. "I’m very happy. I missed the first edition due to injury, so this means a lot."

Tamang admitted that defending the title was tough. "Pokhara gave us a hard fight. As I said pre-match, they’ve improved game by game. They are a quality team. But we worked together as a unit and retained the NSL crown."

Although the match started slowly, Ezekiel broke the deadlock late in the first half, giving the champions the lead.

Ezekiel headed home in the 42nd minute from a pinpoint cross by Manoj Rai. 

Pokhara’s defense faltered as William Biassi’s clearance landed at Lalitpur’s Santosh Kshetri, who passed it left to Rai. As Pokhara’s keeper Guillaume Yves Priso stepped forward to intercept, Ezekiel pounced and nodded in his third goal of the season.

Earlier in the league stage, Ezekiel had scored against Pokhara and FC Chitwan. Last season, he was the top scorer with six goals when Lalitpur lifted the trophy. His latest strikes have now matched the NSL record of nine goals set by Dhangadhi FC’s Ahmad Hijazi.

Pokhara hit back after the interval. Lalitpur struggled to hold its lead, and Pokhara found an equalizer in the 63rd minute through Sudil Rai.

Rai latched onto Padam Bhattarai’s cross from the right. Binong met it with a header, but Lalitpur’s keeper Jeffery Baltus blocked the shot without clearing the danger. Rai reacted quickly, slotting it home despite Sanish’s attempt to intervene.

Kebe restored Lalitpur’s lead in the 74th minute. He made it 2-1 with an assist from Ezekiel. Pokhara’s defensive woes continued as a weak clearance from William fell outside the box. Ezekiel picked up the loose ball and whipped in a cross. Pokhara’s Saiddoston Djafarov misread the flight, allowing Kebe to control and finish brilliantly.

Despite the heartbreak, Pokhara’s captain Ayush Ghalan was named Most Valuable Player of NSL 2025 and earned Rs 250,000.

Pokhara’s Priso won Best Goalkeeper, keeping five clean sheets. He pocketed Rs 150,000.

Ahad Hijazi of Dhangadhi claimed the Golden Boot, netting five goals, including the season’s only hat-trick.

Mani Kumar Lama of Lalitpur was recognized as the Most Energetic Player, while emerging talent Santosh Kshetri also won the award for best young player. Jhapa FC claimed the Fair Play Award.

Both finalist coaches put their trust in foreign strikers. Lalitpur’s coach started four overseas players, with Kebe leading the attack. Pokhara’s coach Sanish Shrestha fielded five foreign players, choosing Stephen Binong as the No. 9.

Pokhara replaced suspended Gaurab Shrestha with Ekraj Budhathoki after the defender saw red in Qualifier 2.

Similarly, Lalitpur drafted in Manoj Rai to fill in for Papa Abdoulaye Diakite, who was sent off in Qualifier 1.